Christina Milanes’s career has taken her from the classrooms of St. Francis to one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Currently working on the Mars Sample Return mission, Christina is part of a team aiming to bring the first samples from Mars back to Earth. Before joining NASA, she spent seven years at Boeing, working on satellite communication system. Christina’s work in aerospace engineering is both innovative and inspiring—and it all started with the foundation she built at St. Francis.

Raised by Filipino immigrant parents who emphasized the importance of education, Christina knew she wanted to continue her elementary Catholic education at St. Francis. She was drawn to St. Francis for its diversity, the wide range of extracurriculars available, and its strong academic reputation. She remembers the annual Filipino Dinner Dance as a highlight and a chance to connect with her cultural heritage. 

“It was so important to me to be able to share that experience with my classmates, especially because it wasn’t something I could easily find outside of St. Francis,” she recalls.

Beyond cultural activities, Christina took full advantage of the school’s extracurricular offerings. She explored her love of the arts through dance and theater, and also became deeply involved in student leadership. Serving as class secretary in both her sophomore and junior years, she was elected student body secretary her senior year. These roles helped her develop key skills that served her throughout her academic and professional careers.

“Being surrounded by driven, motivated, and intelligent young women gave me the confidence to pursue a career in STEM. In high school, I didn’t feel like I had to compete with anyone because we pushed each other to excel. It made me believe that I could do anything, even in a male-dominated field like engineering.”

“Being on student council taught me a lot about teamwork, communication and time management,” she says. “It wasn’t just about planning events; it was about learning what it truly meant to a leader and learning how to balance responsibilities.”

The all-girls environment at St. Francis, she says, played a huge role in building her confidence. 

“Being surrounded by driven, motivated, and intelligent young women gave me the confidence to pursue a career in STEM,” she shares. “It’s something I didn’t fully appreciate or realize at the time, but after studying and working in a male-dominated field over the years, I see how special, unique, and valuable it was to learn and grow in an all-female environment.”

After graduating from St. Francis, Christina continued her academic journey at the University of Southern California (USC), where she earned a full tuition, merit-based scholarship. At USC, she received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering which laid the foundation for her future work in aerospace technology. Her time at USC prepared her for the challenges she would face in her career. The academic rigor she had experienced at St. Francis helped her thrive in a rigorous university environment, and the leadership skills she honed through student council gave her the ability to navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively with others. 

“St. Francis really set me up for success,” Christina says. “The work ethic and time management skills I developed there were crucial during my college years.”

Christina’s career at NASA is a testament to the power of persistence and pursuing opportunities, no matter how challenging they may seem. “It’s humbling to be part of a mission like Mars Sample Return,” she says. “Being able to contribute to something that will advance our understanding of space and our place in the universe is incredibly rewarding.”

Looking back on her high school years, Christina has some advice for current St. Francis students: Enjoy your time in high school, and don’t just focus on academics.

“High school is a time to discover who you are, form lasting friendships, and explore different interests,” she says. “Of course, academics are important, but it’s also crucial to get involved in things you’re passionate about, take advantage of the opportunities St. Francis offers, and have fun.”

Christina also encourages students to embrace challenges and believe in their potential. “At St. Francis, you’re surrounded by strong, intelligent women who will inspire you to be your best. Take that confidence with you into the future, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.”

As Christina’s journey shows, the combination of strong academics, leadership development, and a supportive community at St. Francis can create a foundation for future success, no matter where your passions take you.